Dagala
Thousand Lakes

All meals on trek are freshly prepared by your camp cook. Each morning begins with a wake-up call, warm washing water, and tea or coffee at your tent. Trekking begins around 8:30–9 am at a comfortable pace, with a packed lunch eaten on trail. Camp is fully set up and ready on arrival each afternoon. Pack horses carry all equipment and supplies — you trek with only a day pack.

Your adventure begins in Genekha village above Thimphu, where the trail descends briefly toward the river before crossing and beginning a sustained ascent. The path climbs steadily through forest and into open alpine terrain, passing a large rock platform with a fine view of the Thimphu valley. After approximately two more hours, the trail reaches Gur — an open expanse of yak pasture just below the main ridge. The first pass, Pagalabtsa (approximately 4,200 m), is crossed before the descent to the Labatama campsite. This is the longest and most demanding day of the trek. Settle into camp as the high-altitude evening settles across the meadows.

Today is the heart of the Dagala Trek — the day the route earns its name. From the Labatama campsite, a circular trail loops among ten pristine alpine lakes of varying sizes, each set in a landscape of remarkable stillness and clarity. The lakes are crystal-clear at this altitude, reflecting the surrounding ridgelines and sky. This is the day for photography, quiet exploration, fishing, and simply absorbing the extraordinary high-altitude surroundings. There is no rush — enjoy the day at your own pace.

Today's trail ascends the western side of Dala Tsho to reach the high point of the trek at approximately 4,520 m — the saddle above the lake. From this viewpoint, on a clear morning, the panorama is extraordinary: Mt. Everest in Nepal, Mt. Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, and a full row of Bhutanese Himalayan giants including Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tsende Gang, and Gangche Ta. For those who wish, an optional nearby peak at 4,720 m offers an even more elevated perspective. After descending from the saddle, the trail passes yak herder huts and follows the Doccha Chhu river through a series of ascents and descents before reaching Pangkha camp at around 4,000 m. Cross the Labajong pass (approximately 4,500 m) en route.

The final day traverses multiple passes with no significant uphill climbs — a satisfying descent to conclude the trek. Keep a close eye along the ridgeline for Bhutan's national flower, the rare blue poppy, particularly visible in June and July. Mountain birds are plentiful across the open alpine sections. After crossing the final pass, Tale La at approximately 4,180 m, the trail makes a sustained descent to Talakha Gompa — a beautiful monastery perched on the hillside above Thimphu. Your campsite is positioned beside the monastery, offering a unique opportunity to wake to the sound of morning prayers. From here, there is also a fine panoramic view of Thimphu city far below. A vehicle transfers you back to Thimphu to conclude the trek.